The impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion training in an independent community oncology practice.

Abstract

11057 Background: Historically, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have largely been left out of private practice medical facilities – mainly present in large academic hospital centers. Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA), a member of The US Oncology Network, is an independent community oncology and hematology practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders. VOA has approximately 600 total employees consisting of physicians and clinical and non-clinical staff. In August of 2020, VOA launched an initiative to foster a culture of inclusion with the creation of its Inclusion Council (IC). Sixteen employees’, both clinical (3 physicians) and non-clinical, were chosen to participate. The council reports to VOA’s joint policy board. Methods: The council partnered with an outside organization, Virginia’s Center for Inclusive Communities, to launch a practice-wide DEI training program focusing on unconscious bias and microaggression. The training was initially planned to be in person, but due to the constraints of the COVID pandemic, the training was performed using a virtual platform. The members of IC attended three two-hour sessions while other staff members and physicians were mandated to participate in at least one training session. After completion of the sessions, a survey was sent to all employees and physicians to measure the impact of DEI training. All employees were also given the opportunity to provide additional, anonymous, written feedback. Results: Table. A total of 169 employees responded. 72% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the program increased awareness of unconscious bias and microaggression, 67% felt that the program helps foster a culture of inclusion in the workplace, and 66% of respondents felt that the program met expectations. Conclusions: DEI efforts are vital in all aspects of health care delivery and oncology settings. DEI training met staff expectations and positively fostered a culture of inclusion by bringing attention to unconscious bias and microaggression in a community oncology practice.[Table: see text]